Exciting new venture!

As people are increasingly looking for ways to be prudent with their resources and cut expenses to be wise stewards, we are seeing local thrift stores fulfilling a very real need in the community. Many thrift stores use their earnings to support a local non-profit agency. With the demand for quality thrift stores on the rise, TMA will be opening a local upscale resale store with the income from the operation of the store being used to support the various ministries and activities of TMA.

We are very excited to announce that preparations are underway to launch an upscale resale store called New To You. We are renting a location close to the school, off Alafaya Trail, in the Publix shopping center near IHOP and Planet Fitness. The address is 37 Alafaya Woods Blvd. Oviedo, FL 32765 if you would like to drive by the site.

We will begin with one employee to run the upscale resale store and the rest of the staff will be volunteers. The General Manager will be Mike Lowe. Many of you know Mia Lowe from the upper school office; Mike is her husband and together they have four sons at The Master's Academy. Mike has experience starting and owning businesses, has a bachelor's degree in Marketing and a master's degree in Business Education. Most recently, Mike has been the facility coordinator at RDV Sportsplex, and for the past 9 years has been teaching business, economics, and computers to high school students.

The grand opening of the upscale resale store will not be until October 1st, but we would like to begin preparations now for this new fund-raising avenue. Immediately, we would like to start collecting any new or used items that are not in need of repair. Please drop off clothing, toys, sporting goods, household items, TMA uniforms, etc. at the upper school office any weekday between 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. We are also in need of furniture that is not in need of repair and we’ll be happy to come pick it up from you; simply call the office at (407) 971-2221 to schedule a pick-up time. All donations are tax-deductible.

The vision for the upscale resale store, New To You, is one that will be very "community friendly" offering a play area for children, a coffee area for adults, and a place for TMA parents and students to build relationships as they work side-by-side as volunteers. There will be an application forthcoming for those who want to volunteer. High school students will be able to log time for their community service hours, as well.

Spread the word to your friends to drop off donations ASAP at TMA. Eventually, people will be able to drop off items at the store when it is open. In the meantime, please pray for Mike Lowe as he begins to prepare the upscale resale store for the grand opening in the fall. More information will follow!